Worth The Effort?
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Asheville, NC
Worth The Effort?
I have a 1989 E-150 van that is available for any parts that I want off of it. The parts all go on my 1983 F-150. I've gotten a load of stuff off, so far, and am considering the rear axle. Its a 3.08 in the van right now. My truck has a 3.55. Will it be worth the work and effort to pull and switch the rear-ends? Right now, the truck gas mileage is around 11 mpg. The 1989 engine, a 351W EFI, and C6 tranny will be out shortly, too. The rear end is the big question for me right now. Thanks!
PS: they are both 8.8 rear ends.
PS: they are both 8.8 rear ends.
Last edited by Holmesuser01; Apr 9, 2006 at 09:58 PM.
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From: Virginia
I guess you know if your truck is a 4x4 you can't do the swap. If you do any heavy hauling, I would not go with the 3.08. If you do a lot of interstate long trip, unloaded driving, then it could possibly pay off.
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Posting Guru
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From: Asheville, NC
My truck is not 4X4, rarely used for anything other than driving, and I am just wanting some gas mileage improvements. The truck was ordered with a towing package, HD springs, tranny cooler, etc, and has never been used for any of that. I aquired it in 9/05, and it is a daily driver. Thanks for the opinions. Either way, the rear end of the van is being pulled for me as I type this. At least it is not costing $$$ to do the job!
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
For a daily driver with normal sized tires not used for towing or off road, then put the 3.08 rear end in. For a lighter pickup truck with the newer 351w EFI, it will be enough gearing and you will see an improvement just with the engine swap.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Asheville, NC
The 351 EFI is not going in this truck as it sits. It and the C6 are to have in case something happens, or, I need to swap for something that I might need. I've bored and installed rings and bearings in my 351. It runs great, with zero smoke, and now the oil pressure stays high like it should. The C6 was rebuilt about 2 years ago by a local builder, and is solid. No need to replace it now!
rebocardo, thanks for the reply. Thats what I wanted to hear...
rebocardo, thanks for the reply. Thats what I wanted to hear...
